Pure Terminal Chows

What Is Pure Terminal Chows

Pure Terminal Chows is a top-tier 64-fan hand in Chinese Mahjong. It requires two 1–2–3 chows and two 7–8–9 chows in a single suit, plus a pair of 5 in that suit. The unusual arrangement of “terminal” runs flanking a central pair of 5 has earned its name “one-suit double dragons.” Though extremely challenging—requiring 12 specific sequence tiles plus the pair—its 64-fan payoff can transform a match in a single winning declaration. By recognizing early synergy in ranks 1–3 and 7–9, discarding other suits, and carefully timing chow calls or self-draw tactics, you can seize a grand victory with “Pure Terminal Chows.”

The Tile Pattern of Pure Terminal Chows

For Pure Terminal Chows, you specifically need:

• Chow of 1–2–3 in the chosen suit
• Another chow of 1–2–3 in the same suit
• Chow of 7–8–9 in the same suit
• Another chow of 7–8–9 in the same suit
• Pair of 5 in that same suit

Each chow has 3 tiles, so four chows = 12 tiles, plus 2 tiles for the pair = 14 total.

Fan Value of Pure Terminal Chows

Under Chinese Mahjong rules, Pure Terminal Chows is awarded a dramatic 64 fan—one of the highest single-hand values available.

Strategies and Considerations of Pure Terminal Chows

Assess Your Opening Suit Distribution: If your initial hand contains multiple partial sequences of 1–2, 2–3, 7–8, 8–9 in the same suit, keep an eye out for the possibility of doubling them up. Since the hand demands a pair of 5 in the same suit, see if you already hold one or two 5-tiles early on. If you do, that is a strong sign you might attempt this pattern.

Chow Calls: You can chow from the discard of the player on your immediate left to form each 1–2–3 or 7–8–9 sequence. This might speed up your hand but also reveals your one-suit intention.

Fully Concealed: If you self-draw the sequences, you might earn additional small bonuses for a concealed hand or self-drawn win. However, waiting for every tile to appear from the wall can be risky if an opponent has an easier path to victory.

Signaling Through Discards: Discarding other suits and honors quickly indicates that you are focusing on a single suit. Opponents will likely guess you aim for a big one-suit hand (Full Flush or similar). Once they see multiple 1–2–3 or 7–8–9 chows, they may suspect a top-tier pattern and withhold key tiles.

Comparison with Other High Hands

• Full Flush: You do indeed have a “Full Flush” in one suit, but “Pure Terminal Chows” is 64 fan, which typically supersedes the lesser pattern.
• All Chows: You do have all chows, but again, the 64-fan reward for Pure Terminal Chows overshadow any smaller overlapping patterns.
• Self-Draw: Gaining 2 extra fan for a self-drawn final tile can be a small add-on, though overshadowed by the main 64 fan total.

Precise Tile Requirements: You need 2×(1–2–3) + 2×(7–8–9) + pair of 5. If an opponent hoards or discards critical ranks, you may struggle to complete. If everything aligns—especially if you start with strong sequences—achieving “Pure Terminal Chows” can be a showstopper that likely wins you the round (and possibly the entire game).